Simon James writes with still more free sound — and free, indeed, as Montreal Expo in 1967 (the World’s Fair) brought together some of electronic sound’s most radical musicians, the type of gang who could freak out a crowd today as much as forty years ago.

Thanks again for the mention of Tone Generation. I just thought I’d draw your attention to another related piece I produced with Ian Helliwell last year. It was called ‘Expo 67 – A Radiophonic collage’ and was a snapshot in sound of the Montreal worlds fair in 1967. Tristram Cary composed music for the Great Britain pavilion and much of this is used in the programme. If you listen closely you’ll also hear Tristam’s voice popping up.

Unfortunately, I don’t think there are any images of Xenakis’ polytope. But, perhaps on a more realistic budget (ahem), this is how I want festivals of technology and culture to be. Oh, and it’s never a bad idea to invite Poland.

I love the photos but I don't completely understand what I'm looking at.

Was this like a World's Fair?

A NAMM for architecture?

http://www.ianhelliwell.co.uk Ian Helliwell

Expo 67 was indeed a spectacular World`s Fair, and one of my hopes in creating the Radiophonic Collage, was that someone not familiar with the event could listen and get the feel of the remarkable experimentation, ingenuity and excitement that were integral to it.

http://www.slothblog.co.uk Jane

Also Tristram wrote the music with the building and exhibits in mind as you moved through the space you would hear different bits it was not just an aural experience I would think the pictures are crucial.

http://www.professorwhimsey.com Dr. Apostrophe X

"Free the Expo 67!"

Richard Hussong

There is a fuzzy image of the Xenakis 1967 polytope at http://www.music.psu.edu/Faculty%20Pages/Ballora/…, which hardly captures the essence of the work. I was there at age 15, and I had never seen or heard anything like it, nor have I since. I wish I could go back in time to see it again.